Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study
the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act, its definitions
and exemptions to ensure that the definitions and exemptions
are just and appropriate to further the purpose of the act.

Whereas, The Legislature finds that the West Virginia Freedom
of Information Act has a clear purpose that the Legislature
intended to be the effect of the original Act; and

Whereas, The Legislature finds that the definitions in the
West Virginia Freedom of Information Act have been the subject of
much debate; and

Whereas, The Legislature finds that the West Virginia Freedom
of Information Act contains exemptions for certain documents that
may be applied incorrectly or could be interpreted incorrectly; and

Whereas, The Legislature finds that the West Virginia Freedom
of Information Act was based on the Federal Freedom of Information
Act; and

Whereas, The Legislature finds that it is in the best interest
of the people of the State of West Virginia that the West Virginia
Freedom of Information Act be interpreted consistently and properly
to effectuate the purpose of the Act; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act,
its definitions and exemptions to ensure that the definitions and
exemptions are just and appropriate to further the purpose of the
act; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance study the need for amending, expanding or limiting the
exemptions contained in the West Virginia Freedom of Information
Act to ensure that the act is interpreted consistently with its
stated purpose; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2013, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.